FAQS

Yes. Inside seating is available on all of the MSFS vessels.

You are not required to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the trip. However, because vehicles may be parked in very close proximity, if you plan to exit your vehicle, please let the Able Seaman know before you drive onboard so they may allow space. For the safety of yourself, others and the crew you are expected to be in your vehicle during the loading and unloading process. The Maine State Ferry Service recommends you stay in your vehicle due to COVID19 when at all possible.

No, there are no concession services on board the vessels. You are welcome to bring food and non alcoholic beverages on board with you for your enjoyment during the trip.

The capacity varies with each vessel and is dependent upon the size and length of vehicles being transported.

Yes, there are life jackets on board each vessel.

MSFS owns and operates seven ferry vessels. Given the age and maintenance schedule for the vessels, accessibility on each may vary. As the MSFS replaces its fleet, new vessels will be fully compliant. As existing vessels undergo maintenance they will be assessed for accessibility upgrades where it is technically feasible, given the scope of maintenance.

Whenever possible, reasonable effort shall be made to allow unassisted boarding of customers utilizing personal wheelchairs, scooters or other types of mobility aid(s), unless such efforts pose a risk to the customer, other customers or employees of MSFS. Please call the departure terminal ahead of time if assistance is requested.

Yes! Pets are allowed on board the vessel. Each boat has a pet friendly cabin that is clearly marked for those passengers traveling with their pets. We do ask that you keep your pet leashed/restrained and clean up after them as necessary.

There is no benefit to purchasing tickets in advance. Unless the tickets are associated with a reservation, they do not ensure passage and are not trip specific. Tickets are non refundable so should your plans change, the weather not cooperate or for any number of reasons you do not use them, you have them to utilize on a future trip and cannot be returned.

Not necessarily. Because the tickets are not trip specific, purchase of the ticket does not mean your vehicle will depart on the next available boat. The line attendant will not have a clearer answer for you until the boarding process has begun.

Only Round-Trip tickets are sold. Tickets do not expire, so if you only use your ticket as a one-way, you may use the other half in the future.

No. The tickets are subsidized by various state and federal agencies and there are no discounts available.

Yes, Off Peak season is October 1 to May 31, and rates are lower during that time. A Peak season ticket may be used during the Off-Peak season though no refund for the difference will be issued. An Off-Peak season ticket may be used during the Peak season by purchasing an additional Off-Peak Upgrade Ticket for the difference.

Motorcycles require a motorcycle ticket, which includes the rider. Inquire at the ticket window for instructions on where to wait for the boat. Motorcycles are generally lined up near where the pedestrians board the boat and are put on board after the vehicles and pedestrians are on the boat.

Tickets are available at all mainland and island terminals as round-trip only and are origin/destination based for Islesboro and Matinicus. Tickets for Swans's Island, Frenchboro, North Haven and Vinalhaven are not origin/destination based, meaning both portions of a round-trip ticket may be used in any combination to take 2 one-way rides between Bass Harbor and Swan's Island, Bass Harbor and Frenchboro, Rockland and North Haven or Rockland and Vinalhaven.

No, there is no additional charge for strollers.

All of the islands serviced by the Maine State Ferry Service are highly residential fishing communities. Vinalhaven has a village area that is within walking distance of the Ferry and offers a handful of shops and a couple restaurants. The other islands have a general store and a restaurant or two but vary in their accessibility and distance from where the ferry docks.

Lodging is limited and availability varies per island.

No, there are no campgrounds on any of the islands we service.

There is no public transportation services available on any of the islands.

No. There is no inter-island service to accommodate transporting vehicles.

No. There is no inter-island service available through the Maine StateFerry Service for vehicles or passengers. There may be private water taxi services available. Customers should inquire about such services by contacting the island terminal.

The ferry remains on Matinicus for an hour or less before loading and departing on its return trip to Rockland.

No. Private water taxi services are available in addition to air services to and from the island.

With all the varying factors to be taken into consideration, the line attendant will not have a clearer answer until the boarding process has begun. It all depends on how many reservations arrive on time, the size/length of vehicles and how many vehicles ahead of you in line are occupied and intending to board the next available boat.

You will want to allow enough time to find alternative parking in the event the terminal lot is full, get your tickets and unload your luggage.

A good rule of thumb is to try to arrive as close to the departure of the previous trip than the one you intend to take. For example if you are hoping to get your vehicle on the 2:45 PM trip to Vinalhaven, you should plan on putting your vehicle in line as close to the 1:00 PM departure as you can.

No, each trip is designed to depart the mainland or island terminal and only regularly services it's original destination.

Marine conditions are contingent on current and offshore weather conditions and can vary from calm to rough on any given day.

It can get breezy or chilly depending upon the weather and personal preference. It is a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt with you.

Although there are no guarantees that you will see wildlife on your trip, You may see, a variety of coastal birds and the occasional otter, seal or porpoise.

Our operations are service oriented to meet the transportation needs of the islands and do not include guided or narrated trips.

You will want to familiarize yourself with the schedule and allow enough time to ensure you will be able to be on board a return trip. Typically waiting until the afternoon does not ensure enough time to accommodate the round trip boat ride and allow for time to visit the island.

It is best to plan such trips as foot passengers, as getting a vehicle over and back is not always able to be accommodated. It is also recommended to familiarize yourself with the schedule to ensure you are on board one of the departing trips of the day. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and any other personal effects you may need or want for your trip.

Many children look forward to the adventure of a boat ride! For safety we ask that children be attended and please do not allow your child(ren) to play on the deck of the boat. Vehicles are subject to shifting and sudden movement during the trip and it is unsafe for children to be playing around or under the vehicles on board. The doors and windows on the vessels are extremely heavy and can be quite damaging to little hands and feet. Please assist your children with opening doors to the restrooms, cabins and windows.

Trips are subject to cancellation for any number of reasons including mechanic issues, crew availability, weather, etc. and it is always a good idea to check the daily operations update for the most accurate trip information.

Daily operation updates are available on a recorded line by contacting the terminal you are traveling from. Updates are made throughout the day as needed.

No. Weather conditions can change dramatically throughout the day and later trips may remain as scheduled. Cancellations are made per round trip departure and determined 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, at which time the Captain of the vessel will make the final decision if the trip is cancelled or operating as usual.

During the summer season, be sure to allow plenty of time in case the parking lot is full, and be aware ahead of time of the locations of municipal or street parking near the terminal where you plan to depart.

No, purchasing discounted long term parking does not include an assigned parking spot. During the height of the busy season it is not uncommon for the parking lots to become full. Even with purchasing the discounted long term parking it is highly recommended that you allow enough time to find alternative parking if necessary.